Columns

It’s been another week of circumstances which scream corruption. First, Lois Lerner was back to testify or actually recite the Fifth Amendment on the IRS scandal.

When the show was over and meeting closed, Rep. Elijah Cummings pitched a fit because he wanted to ask some questions. When Rep. Darrell Issa turned the microphones back on, Cummings actually had no questions for the witness. He simply wanted to make a statement about the proceedings.

I would like to share some ideas for Lancaster County Council members to consider. The biggest problem facing the county is the lack of jobs. Lancaster continues to be at the top of the list for unemployment. There are some things council can do to become an attractive place for a business to open or relocate.

The S.C. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) makes records and meetings of public bodies open and available to citizens and their representatives in the press.

As a citizen of South Carolina, you have the right to attend meetings of commissions, councils, boards and other public bodies. You have a right to see and copy records of public bodies. The FOIA – also known as the Sunshine Law because it shines light on government meetings and records – is essential to our democratic form of government.

It happens in every county, every small town and every school district. It happens at the state level and at the federal level.

“Watchdogs” monitor the actions of government. They attend meetings. They write letters. They ask the tough questions. They request public records under the Freedom of Information Act. Sometimes, they sound the alarm when they believe tax dollars have been wasted or politicians have misused their power.

As we begin ramping up for another election cycle, I hope our local and regional news editors will ensure that our community is informed on the changing characteristics of national and regional government.

Since most of us made our youthful visit to the voting booth, there has been a tremendous change in the dynamics of elected public service.

A few months ago, some of my colleagues and I were discussing a bill recently introduced in the General Assembly, and someone remarked: “Wonder what the founders would think of that” The more we thought about it, the more it seemed like an entirely relevant question to ask of any bill.